Mass Exodus: Over 4,385 Labour Party Members Join PDP Ahead of Imo State Governorship Election

In a significant political development ahead of the Imo State Governorship election slated for November 11, a staggering 4,385 members of the Labour Party have officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This move is seen as a crucial boost to the PDP’s aspirations for the upcoming election.

The momentous announcement took place at the PDP state headquarters, located along Okigwe road in Owerri, the state capital. The decision of the former Labour Party members to join the PDP comes amid a backdrop of internal strife and legal battles within the Labour Party, stemming from their Governorship primary election.

Lady Nkechi Manus Ogu, the former state Coordinator and former Women Leader of LP for Owerri zone, led the defectors into the PDP. She expressed her relief at leaving the turmoil of her former party and vowed to dedicate their efforts to secure a victory for the PDP’s governorship candidate in the upcoming election.

Ogu voiced her frustration over the perceived lack of leadership capability in the Labour Party’s chosen candidate for Imo State, which ultimately compelled her and her associates to switch allegiances. She promised to rally support from their members across the 27 local government areas and 305 wards to bolster the PDP’s candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and his Deputy, Rt Hon Jones Onyereri.

Receiving the defectors into the PDP, Chief Charles Ugwu, the state Chairman of the party (represented by the State Organizing Secretary, Nze Law Biaduo), commended their bold decision to join when it became clear that Imo State needed to be rescued from its precarious state. Biaduo assured the defectors that they would enjoy all the privileges granted to every PDP member in the state and urged them to engage in grassroots mobilization to restore security, rule of law, peace, and unity.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the PDP’s Governorship candidate in the state, expressed his gratitude to the new entrants for their courage in becoming part of the state’s journey towards a better future. He criticized the current condition of the state, citing the collapse of previously functioning systems under the APC government. Anyanwu particularly highlighted concerns about the disappearance of local government monthly allocations and the unjust labeling of over 4,000 workers as “Ghost” workers by the current administration.

Anyanwu pledged to revitalize neglected health centers, reinstate free education in Imo tertiary institutions, and repair dilapidated rural roads. He also promised fair treatment for pensioners and improved safety for motorcycle, Keke, and taxi drivers. Additionally, he announced plans to provide subventions to churches managing mission schools and establish satellite Government Houses in Orlu, Owerri, and Okigwe zones to enhance accessibility to the state’s leadership.

Anyanwu emphasized his commitment to “Citizens Participation in Governance,” which he believes will bring happiness back to the people of Imo State. If elected as governor, he pledged to lead a government focused on progress and prosperity for all residents of the state.